Palm/Passion Sunday celebrates Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem. It begins the most solemn week of the Church year. During Holy Week, we remember Jesus’ Passion, death, and Resurrection. We also listen to the Passion according to Matthew at this Sunday’s Mass.

Exploring the Gospel Message

Seeds (Preschool)

Bring home a blessed palm and display it. Talk about welcoming Jesus into your home and into your hearts. Talk about the joy you have because Jesus is with your whole family.

Promise (Grades K–1)

The class is learning about how Jesus was welcomed to Jerusalem and talked about the ways we welcome people. Your child also reviewed all the events of Holy Week. Try to take your child to at least one of the Holy Week liturgies. Talk about Jesus’ suffering and death with your child, and comfort them with the promise of new life at Easter.

Good News (Grades 2–3)

 This week your child will learn about the events of Holy Week. Ask your child to show you his or her Holy Week Prayer Book and to explain each event to the family. Decide together on ways you will celebrate Holy Week in your home.

Venture (Grades 4–6)

In class, your child will experience the many events of Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum. Ask your child to share with the family “My Good Friday Stations of the Cross,” a booklet that contains dramaticpaintings of the traditional moments in the final hours of Jesus’ life. Plan to go to church during the week and pray the stations, guided by the booklet. At the end, kneel together and pray the Resurrection Prayer on the back of the booklet.